DeAndre Hopkins dropped a few bread crumbs about potential future destinations just days before he was released by the Cardinals on Friday.
During a Monday appearance on the “I Am Athlete” podcast, the Pro-Bowl receiver named five quarterbacks that he’d like to play with: the Bills’ Josh Allen, the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes of the Chief, Ravens’ Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert of the Chargers.
The 30-year-old wideout had interesting commentary while dishing on the quarterbacks he’d like to team up.
Hopkins said he’s been watching Allen since the Bills drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick in 2018, adding that the quarterback reminds him of a “new-school Andrew Luck.”
The five-time Pro Bowler called Hurts “a dog,” and mentioned how they’re both from Houston.
Hopkins used the word “obviously” while choosing Mahomes — and called Jackson “the underdog,” adding, “not a lot of people respect this guy.”
At No. 5, Hopkins went with “my dude in San Diego,” Herbert.
He added that he’s past the point in his career where he wants to catch the football from a young quarterback.
In March, former NFL executive Michael Lombardi reported that the market for Hopkins was “soft” due to his contract.
Amidst trade conversations, Hopkins had been linked to the Patriots after going on a following spree, following Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. on Instagram
“I would definitely say the Patriots were one of the teams,” Hopkins said of the trade rumors. “Obviously, I would say the Bills were one of those teams that I heard.”
The Cardinals released him on Friday, following three seasons with the team.
He had two years left on his deal with no guaranteed money.
Bills linebacker Von Miller tweeted an eyes emoji shortly after Arizona announced the news.
Since the All-Pro receiver was not a post-June 1 cut, the Cardinals cleared $7,388,890 in 2023 cap space — eating all $22.6M in dead money now, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero
Hopkins, who turns 31 next month, will be off the books in 2024.
Arizona reportedly held out as long as it could, but ultimately could not find a trade partner for Hopkins’ contract.
Hopkins was suspended for the first six games of the 2022 season over a PED violation.
He finished the season with 64 catches for 717 yards and three touchdowns in seven games.
The former first-round pick — No. 27 overall out of Clemson by the Texans — set a Cardinals franchise record for receptions in the 2020 season.